B&H electronics and camera store in New York City gained popularity as a result of the high demand for eclipse sunglasses in preparation for the Great North American Solar Eclipse occurring on Monday, April 8. The store became known as the “hottest club in town” as crowds of people flocked to purchase the eyewear in order to safely view the eclipse. Customers reported waiting in line for extended periods of time, with lines snaking throughout the store, to purchase the glasses necessary to protect their eyes from damage while viewing the eclipse.
Viewers of a solar eclipse risk long-lasting damage to their eyes after only seconds of staring at the sun, even during a partial eclipse. Hundreds of New Yorkers packed into the Garment District B&H store to purchase eclipse glasses to safely watch the rare event. Companies were also giving out free eclipse glasses, but demand quickly exceeded supply as more people sought the necessary eyewear to safely view the eclipse. Customers reported chaotic scenes at train stations and other locations where glasses were being distributed, leading many to turn to B&H to acquire the glasses they needed.
B&H was selling single pairs of eclipse viewers for $1.29 and eclipse sunglasses for $39.95, along with packs ranging from 4 to 20 pairs. Other retailers were also selling eclipse glasses at varying price points, but B&H quickly became the go-to destination for New Yorkers seeking the necessary eyewear. Customers reported long lines snaking throughout the store, with employees handing out glasses as people entered the store. Despite the long wait times, many customers felt that the sacrifice was worth it in order to view the eclipse safely.
On the day of the eclipse, customers and onlookers gathered at B&H to purchase last-minute glasses in anticipation of the Great North American Solar Eclipse, the last total eclipse to hit the US for the next 20 years. The eclipse was expected to be visible in New York City between 3:15 and 3:30 p.m., with the Big Apple expected to experience 90% coverage during the event. The excitement surrounding the eclipse and the rarity of the event led many people to endure long lines and crowded stores in order to obtain the necessary eyewear to view the eclipse safely.
Millions of Americans were expected to hit the road to witness the total solar eclipse, which was forecasted to cause traffic congestion on at least 30 interstate highways in the path of the totality. The eclipse was expected to last up to four minutes as the sun was blocked by the moon’s shadow, creating a unique celestial event that would captivate viewers across the country. Despite the potential traffic nightmare, people were eager to experience the wonder of the solar eclipse, leading to high demand for eclipse glasses and a rush to secure a pair before the event.
